“The Mathematics Enthusiast” published an article prepared by Central College’s Russ Goodman, professor of mathematics and assistant women’s soccer coach, and Katelin Valster, lecturer of kinesiology and S.A.A.C. advisor. They designed an honors seminar course, Sports Analytics: Soccer, which gives Central students the opportunity to complete a course-based undergraduate research experience in sports analytics.
Publication of the article, A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in Soccer Analytics, adds to the body of knowledge for designing course-based undergraduate research experiences.
In the research, the instructors focused on acquiring a collection of Catapult PlayerTek devices that measure GPS location, physical impacts, sprint distance and other related accelerometer measurements. Access and utilization of the Catapult devices allowed the students to think broadly and with autonomy about an aspect of physical load that appealed most to them for their research project. The students’ work enhanced the understanding of physical demands on Central College women’s soccer players.
The instructors applied for and received funding from the Moore Family Foundation Faculty Development Program for Teaching in an amount that allowed for the purchase of 20 devices along with the necessary accessories such as vests, chargers, carrying cases and supplies.
